Electronic control unit interface with controller configurable input signal conditioning circuitry

Abstract

An electronic control unit interface having controller configurable input signal conditioning circuitry. A controller configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuit includes an input node, a first switch, a second switch, and a multiplexer, the input node, the first switch, the second switch, and the multiplexer being operably coupled with output pins of a microcontroller. The first and second signal conditioning branches of the C-CISC circuit are operably coupled with the input node and the sensor signal input pin of the microcontroller controller via the first and second inputs of the multiplexer. The C-CISC circuit may be configured to provide an analog signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin in response to a first output of the sensor selection output pin, and may be configured to provide an analog signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin in response to a second output of the sensor selection output pin, a unilateral half byte transfer (SENT) signal input received at an input node is provided to a sensor signal input pin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to electronic control unit (ECU) interfaces, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to ECU interfaces having controller-configurable input signal conditioning ("C-CISC") circuitry and related devices, systems, and processes. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic control units (ECUs) can be provided in applications such as vehicle systems, engine systems, power generation systems, and other industrial equipment or systems. ECUs can need to interface with multiple types of sensors, which can provide multiple types and / or forms of sensor outputs for the ECU to process. ECU design faces many constraints and limitations, including those regarding configurability, adaptability, and flexibility for supporting multiple applications and features, as well as limitations regarding input / output (I / O) pins, mechanical package size, PCB density, and other constraints and limitations. There remains a significant need for the unique devices, processes, and systems disclosed herein.

[0003] Disclosure of Example Embodiments

[0004] For the purposes of describing the example embodiments of the present disclosure in a concrete terms, in a simple and exact manner, and for the purposes of enabling the manufacture and use of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to certain example embodiments, including those illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the application is thereby created, and that the application includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the example embodiments as would occur to one skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0005] Some embodiments include devices including unique controller-configurable input signal conditioning ("C-CISC") circuitry. Some embodiments include unique processes involving the unique C-CISC circuitry. Some embodiments include unique systems including the C-CISC circuitry. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of an example system in an example operating environment.

[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of an example implementation of the system of Figure 1

[0008] Figure 3 ​It is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of the example circuit system.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a description Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first operating state of the example circuit system.

[0010] Figure 5 It is a description Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second operating state of the example circuit system.

[0011] Figure 6 It describes the first application Figure 2 The example implementation is a schematic diagram of certain aspects of certain components.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a flowchart that depicts certain aspects of the example process.

[0013] Figure 8 It is a description of the second application Figure 2 The example implementation is a schematic diagram of certain aspects of certain components. Detailed Implementation

[0014] refer to Figure 1 The illustration depicts an example system 100 including at least a portion of a prime mover system 110 (also referred to herein as system 110) and one or more loads 109. System 100 may be provided in a variety of forms, including, for example, as a vehicle or vehicle powertrain (e.g., a highway vehicle or vehicle powertrain or off-highway vehicle or vehicle powertrain), a work machinery or work machinery powertrain, a generator set or generator powertrain, or a hydraulic fracturing rig or hydraulic fracturing rig powertrain, to name just a few non-limiting examples. It should be understood that system 100 may include a number of other components that would occur to those skilled in the art as would benefit from and understand this disclosure.

[0015] In the illustrated example, system 110 is configured and provided as an internal combustion engine system, including an intake treatment system 112, an engine 114, an exhaust system 116, a refueling system 158, and an electronic control system 130. It should be understood that system 110 may include a number of other components as would be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure. In other example embodiments, system 110 may be configured and provided as another type of prime mover system, such as, for example, a hybrid internal combustion engine-electric prime mover system, a battery-electric prime mover system, a fuel cell prime mover system, or another type of prime mover system.

[0016] The intake treatment system 112 may include one or more air treatment ducts, air filters, compressors (such as turbochargers or superchargers), coolers (such as boost air coolers, intercoolers, and / or aftercoolers, which may be, for example, air-to-air or air-to-liquid), and sensors (such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, mass flow sensors, and other types of sensors) and other components.

[0017] Engine 114 may be provided in various forms and typically includes a cylinder block comprising multiple cylinders and a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder block. The cylinder head typically includes an intake port, an intake valve configured to selectively open and close the intake port, an exhaust port, an exhaust valve configured to selectively open and close the exhaust port, an injector orifice, a fuel injector disposed in the injector orifice, a spark plug orifice, and a spark plug disposed in the spark plug orifice. Multiple pistons may be provided in respective cylinders of the multiple cylinders. A crankshaft may be coupled to the multiple pistons and configured to convert the reciprocating motion of the multiple pistons to provide torque for driving load 109, which may include internal loads of system 110 (such as an oil pump, valve mechanism, fuel pump, and other loads of engine 114, as well as accessory loads of system 110). It should be understood that system 110 may include a number of other components as would be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure.

[0018] The exhaust system 116 may include one or more exhaust treatment pipes, turbines (such as the turbine of a turbocharger), aftertreatment components (such as oxidation catalysts, specific filters, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts and / or other catalysts and aftertreatment components), and sensors (such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, oxygen or λ sensors, mass flow sensors and other types of sensors) and other components.

[0019] The refueling system 158 can be configured and provided as a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system, including multiple fuel injectors in fluid communication with a common fuel rail, which supplies fuel to the multiple fuel injectors at a relatively high pressure. Fuel can be supplied to the common fuel rail by a high-pressure pump, which in turn can be supplied by a relatively low-pressure fuel circuit including a booster pump, which can be submerged in a tank containing a fuel reservoir.

[0020] ECS130 preferably includes one or more programmable microcontrollers of the solid-state integrated circuit type, and one or more non-transitory storage media configured to store instructions executable by the one or more microcontrollers. For the purposes of this application, the term microcontroller should be understood to also encompass microprocessors and other types of integrated circuit processors. ECS130 is operatively in communication with sensors or controllers of the intake treatment system 112, engine 114, exhaust system 116, and refueling system 158, and can be adapted and configured to control the operation of said sensors or controllers and / or receive input from said sensors or controllers. ECS130 is operatively in communication with one or more system sensors 102 of system 100, and can be adapted and configured to control the operation of one or more system sensors 102 of system 100 and / or receive input from one or more system sensors 102 of system 100, which may include, for example, a throttle position sensor or an accelerator position sensor, or various other system sensors as would be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure. It should be understood that Figure 1 The control relationships between the aforementioned components are conceptually depicted using dashed arrows, and can be implemented using various communication hardware and protocols, such as one or more Controller Area Networks (CAN) or other communication components.

[0021] The ECS130 can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, combining or distributing control functions across one or more control units. The ECS130 can execute operational logic that defines various control, management, and / or regulation functions. This operational logic can be in the form of dedicated hardware (such as a hardwired state machine), analog computing machinery, programmed instructions, and / or in various forms as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The ECS130 can be provided as a single component or a collection of operatively coupled components; and can include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a hybrid combination of both. When in a multi-component form, the ECS130 can have one or more components that are remotely positioned in a distributed arrangement relative to other components. The ECS130 can include multiple processing units arranged to operate independently in a pipelined processing arrangement, a parallel processing arrangement, or the like. It should be further understood that any of the ECS130 and / or its constituent components may include one or more signal conditioners, modulators, demodulators, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), central processing units (CPUs), limiters, oscillators, control clocks, amplifiers, signal conditioners, filters, format converters, communication ports, clamps, delay devices, memory devices, analog-to-digital (A / D) converters, digital-to-analog (D / A) converters, and / or various circuit systems or components as would be apparent to those skilled in the art for performing the desired communication.

[0022] Figure 1 The document also describes an operating environment 99. As described above, during typical operation of system 100, ambient air 91 of the operating environment 99 is received as input to system 100, and exhaust gas 93 processed from system 100 is released into the operating environment 99. In some embodiments, load 109 may at least partially comprise a portion of the operating environment 99. For example, in embodiments where system 100 is provided in the form of a generator set or generator powertrain, one or more loads 109 may comprise loads at various nodes in a distributed power network, in addition to load components that are, even if small, integral to system 100. As another example, in embodiments where system 100 is provided in the form of a vehicle or vehicle powertrain, load 109 may comprise forces such as wind, gravity, road friction, and other environmental load components, in addition to load components that are, even if small, integral to system 100.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 The illustration depicts an example implementation of certain aspects of the ECS130. In the illustrated example, the ECS130 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 210. While the ECS130 and ECU 210 are illustrated and described herein in conjunction with an example powertrain system, it should be understood that other embodiments may include electronic control systems and electronic control units for many other powertrain systems, including, for example, fuel cell electronic control systems, battery management systems, hydrogen internal combustion engines and fuel delivery systems, as well as other examples that will occur to those skilled in the art as they benefit from and understand this disclosure.

[0024] The ECU 210 includes a housing 212 and an interface 217. The housing 212 surrounds an interior 214 containing multiple electronic control components. The interface 217 extends through the housing 212 and includes multiple interface pins 107 that are electrically contactable at an external 94 of the housing 212 and at an internal 214 of the housing 212.

[0025] Circuit board 215 is contained within housing 212. Circuit board 215 includes a controller-configurable input signal conditioning (“C-CISC”) circuitry system 220 (also referred to herein as circuitry system 220). Circuitry system 220 includes input terminal 219 operatively coupled to interface pin 107a of interface 217 and operatively coupled to microcontroller 205. C-CISC circuitry system 220 is also coupled to output pin 271 and input pin 272 of microcontroller 205. Microcontroller 205 is mounted on or otherwise operatively coupled to circuit board 215. Microcontroller 205 is configured to store executable instructions, including instructions in the form of configuration logic 253 and calibration data in the form of calibration 252. Configuration logic 253 is operable to read calibration 252 and, in response to reading calibration 252, provides one of a first output value and a second output value at output pin 271.

[0026] Interface pin 107a can be selectively coupled to sensor 77 via connector 119 of wire harness 117, and Figure 1 The diagram depicts interface pin 107a in an operably coupled state. It should be understood that wiring harness 117 can also be decoupled from interface pin 107a. In this operably coupled state, interface pin 107a can receive sensor signal 97 from sensor 77, which can then be received and regulated by C-CISC circuitry 220 and provided as input to microcontroller 205. Depending on the selection and configuration of sensor 77, input signal 97 can be in one of several forms. For example, sensor 77 can be configured to provide sensor signal 97 in the form of an analog signal or a single-sided nibble transmission (SENT) signal.

[0027] refer to Figure 3 The illustration shows an example implementation of circuit system 220. In the illustrated example, circuit system 220 includes input node 319, which may be provided in the form of interface 217 or a component thereof, or in a variety of other forms that will be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure.

[0028] An electrostatic discharge (ESD) diode 331 is coupled between input node 319 and ground. In the illustrated example, ESD diode 331 is provided in the form of a parallel transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode configured to protect circuit system 220 from transient and overvoltage threats, such as electrical fast transients and electrostatic discharge events. Resistors 311 and 312 are also coupled to input node 319 and further coupled to a first configuration selection branch 381 and a second configuration selection branch 382, ​​respectively.

[0029] The first configuration selection branch 381 includes a switch 341 configured and provided in solid-state form. Switch 341 includes a transistor (Q), which may include, for example, a MOSFET or another type of solid-state device as would be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure. Switch 341 includes a first terminal operably coupled to an operating voltage VDD, a second terminal coupled to a resistor 311, and a third terminal coupled to a SENT / analog selection output pin 371 via a resistor network including resistors 315 and 316.

[0030] Resistor 315 is coupled to the operating voltage VDD and the third terminal of switch 341. Resistor 316 is coupled to the third terminal of switch 341 and to the SENT / analog select output pin 371 of microcontroller 370. Resistors 315 and 316 are configured to provide a voltage at the third terminal of switch 341 that effectively turns switch 341 on in response to a logic low (0) output of the SENT / analog select output pin 371 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 4 (as shown in the figure), and in response to a logic high (1) output of the SENT / analog select output pin 371, switch 341 is effectively turned off (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram).

[0031] The second configuration selection branch 382 includes a switch 342 configured and provided in solid-state form. Switch 342 includes a transistor (Q), which may include, for example, a MOSFET or another type of solid-state device as would be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure. Switch 342 includes a first terminal operably coupled to resistor 312, a second terminal coupled to ground, and a third terminal coupled to SENT / analog selection output pin 371 via a resistor network including resistors 318 and 379.

[0032] Resistor 318 is coupled to the third terminal of switch 342 and to the SENT / analog select output pin 371 of microcontroller 370. Resistor 379 is coupled to ground and the third terminal of switch 342. Resistors 318 and 379 are configured to provide a voltage at the third terminal of switch 342 that effectively turns on switch 342 in response to a logic high (1) output of SENT / analog select output pin 371 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 4 (as shown in the figure), and in response to a logic high (1) output of the SENT / analog select output pin 371, switch 341 is effectively turned off (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram).

[0033] Resistor 313 is coupled to input node 319 and to a first signal conditioning branch 391 and a second signal conditioning branch 392 of circuit system 220. The first signal conditioning branch 391 includes resistor 317, which is coupled to resistor 313, a first input of multiplexer (MUX) 351, and capacitor 322. A first side of capacitor 322 is coupled to resistor 317 and the first input of MUX 351, and a second side of capacitor 322 is coupled to ground. The second signal conditioning branch 392 includes resistor 314 coupled to resistor 313 and the second input of MUX 351, capacitor 321, and capacitor 322. A first side of capacitor 321 is coupled to resistor 313 and resistor 314, and a second side of capacitor 321 is coupled to ground. A first side of capacitor 323 is coupled to resistor 314 and the second input of MUX 351, and a second side of capacitor 323 is coupled to ground. The select input of the MUX 351 is coupled to the SENT / analog select output pin 371 of the microcontroller 370. The output of the MUX 351 is coupled to the SENT / analog input pin 372 of the microcontroller 370.

[0034] Circuit system 220 is operatively coupled to SENT / analog select output pin 371 and SENT / analog input pin 372 of microcontroller 370. Microcontroller 370 is configured to store executable instructions, including instructions in the form of configuration logic 353 and calibration data in the form of calibration 352. Configuration logic 353 is operable to read calibration 352 and, in response to reading calibration 352, provides one of a first output value and a second output value at SENT / analog select output pin 371.

[0035] like Figure 4 As illustrated, when switch 341 is closed and switch 342 is open, a first voltage is presented at input node 319. This first voltage effectively configures circuitry 220 to regulate the analog signal 397 provided to input node 319 to microcontroller 370 via a first signal path 333 extending from input node 319, through resistors 313 and 317, and MUX 351 (via its first input) to the SENT / analog input pin 372 of microcontroller 370. Resistor 317 and capacitor 322 are examples of components configured as a first low-pass filter having a first cutoff frequency, which is configured to regulate the analog signal 397. In other embodiments, the first low-pass filter may also be provided in other forms as would be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure.

[0036] like Figure 5As illustrated, when switch 341 is open and switch 342 is closed, a second voltage is presented at input node 319. This second voltage effectively configures circuitry 220 to regulate the SENT signal 398 provided to input node 319, which is then provided to microcontroller 370 via a second signal path 334 extending from input node 319, through resistors 313 and 314, and MUX 351 (via its second input) to the SENT / analog input pin 372 of microcontroller 370. Resistor 314 and capacitor 323 are examples of components configured as a second low-pass filter having a second cutoff frequency, which is configured to regulate the SENT signal 398. The second cutoff frequency may differ from the first cutoff frequency of the first low-pass filter. In other embodiments, the second low-pass filter may also be provided in other forms as would be conceived by those skilled in the art who benefit from and understand this disclosure.

[0037] refer to Figure 6 The illustration shows certain aspects of an example electronic control system (ECS) 430, which includes a microcontroller 470 operablely coupled to a plurality of controller-configurable input signal conditioning (“C-CISC”) circuit systems 410a, 410b, ... 410n, which are configured to receive a corresponding plurality of input signals 402a, 402b, ... 402n.

[0038] Microcontroller 470 may typically be configured and provided in a form similar to microcontroller 205, microcontroller 370, or other microcontrollers according to this disclosure. C-CISC circuit systems 410a, 410b, ... 410n may be configured and provided in the same or substantially similar form to circuit system 220 described herein. In the illustrated example, microcontroller 470 is configured to store executable instructions, including instructions in the form of configuration logic 453 and calibration data in the form of calibration 452. Configuration logic 453 is operable to read calibration 452 and, in response to reading calibration 452, provides one of a first output value and a second output value at output pin 471.

[0039] The C-CISC circuit system 410a is operatively coupled to the SENT / analog select output pin 471 of the microcontroller 470 and to the SENT / analog input 472a. The C-CISC circuit system 410a can be configured to selectively regulate the input analog signal A 402a into one of the analog input signal and the SENT input signal, and provide it to the SENT / analog input 472a, in response to the output value of the SENT / analog select output pin 471.

[0040] The C-CISC circuit system 410b is operatively coupled to the SENT / analog select output pin 471 of the microcontroller 470 and to the SENT / analog input 472b. The C-CISC circuit system 410b can be configured to selectively regulate the input analog signal A 402b into one of the analog input signal and the SENT input signal, and provide it to the SENT / analog input 472b in response to the output value of the SENT / analog select output pin 471.

[0041] The C-CISC circuit system 410n is operatively coupled to the SENT / analog select output pin 471 of the microcontroller 470 and to the SENT / analog input 472n. The C-CISC circuit system 410n can be configured to selectively regulate the input analog signal B 402n into one of the analog input signal and the SENT input signal, and provide it to the SENT / analog input 472b, in response to the output value of the SENT / analog select output pin 471.

[0042] refer to Figure 7 The illustration depicts an example system configuration process 500 (also referred to herein as process 500), which can be performed or in conjunction with an electronic control system (such as ECS130) or other electronic control systems, such as microcontroller 205, microcontroller 370, or another microcontroller. Process 500 begins at initiation operation 502 and proceeds to operation 504, which reads one or more microcontroller calibrations, such as calibration 252, calibration 352, or other microcontroller calibrations.

[0043] From operation 504, process 500 proceeds to condition 506, which evaluates whether an analog calibration has been set, for example, whether the calibration read at operation 504 is configured to enable the microcontroller to process and operate using analog inputs. If condition 506 evaluates positively, process 500 proceeds to operation 507, which configures the microcontroller to operate using analog inputs.

[0044] From operation 507, process 500 proceeds to operation 512, where operation 512 sets the microcontroller's SENT / analog select output to a logic high value. From operation 512, process 500 proceeds to operation 508.

[0045] At operation 508, the microcontroller performs an analog input check. Operation 508 may, for example, involve the microcontroller otherwise controlling a system such as system 100 such that, in the case of a correctly functioning system, analog inputs are received, and the microcontroller is operated to detect and process such inputs. From operation 508, process 500 proceeds to condition 510.

[0046] Condition 510 evaluates whether the analog input check passes, for example, whether the microcontroller receives the analog input and / or whether the microcontroller receives the expected value of the analog input. If condition 510 evaluates positive, process 500 proceeds to operation 514, which sets the analog input error condition to a logical true value. From operation 514, process 500 proceeds to end operation 590 and can subsequently be repeated or called, or alternatively, proceeds to operation 518.

[0047] If condition 506 evaluates negatively, process 500 proceeds to condition 516, which evaluates whether SENT calibration is set, for example, whether the calibration read at operation 504 is configured to cause the microcontroller to process and operate using the SENT input. If condition 516 evaluates negatively, process 500 proceeds to operation 526, which sets the calibration error condition to true. From operation 526, process 500 proceeds to end operation 590 and can be repeated or called subsequently.

[0048] If condition 516 is evaluated positively, process 500 proceeds to operation 517, which configures the microcontroller to operate using the SENT input. From operation 517, process 500 proceeds to operation 522, which sets the microcontroller's SENT / analog select output to a logic low value. From operation 512, process 500 proceeds to operation 518.

[0049] At operation 518, the microcontroller performs a SENT input check. Operation 518 may, for example, involve the microcontroller otherwise controlling a system such as system 100 such that, in the case of a correctly functioning system, a SENT input is received, and the microcontroller is operated to detect and process such input. From operation 518, process 500 proceeds to condition 520.

[0050] Condition 520 evaluates whether the SENT input check passes, for example, whether the SENT input is received by the microcontroller and / or whether the expected value of the SENT input is received by the microcontroller. If condition 520 evaluates positive, process 500 proceeds to end operation 590 and can subsequently be repeated or called.

[0051] If condition 520 evaluates negative, process 500 proceeds to operation 524, which sets the SENT input error to true. From operation 522, process 500 proceeds to end operation 590, and can be repeated or called subsequently.

[0052] If condition 506 evaluates negatively, process 500 proceeds to condition 516, which evaluates whether a SENT calibration is set, for example, whether the calibration read at operation 504 is configured to cause the microcontroller to process and operate using the received SENT input. If condition 516 evaluates negatively, process 500 proceeds to operation 526, which sets the calibration error condition to true. From operation 526, process 500 proceeds to end operation 590 and can be repeated or called subsequently.

[0053] refer to Figure 8 The illustration depicts certain aspects of an example electronic control system (ECS) 730, which includes a microcontroller 770 operably coupled to a plurality of controller-configurable input signal conditioning (“C-CISC”) circuit systems 710a, 710b configured to receive corresponding plurality of input signals 402a, 402b. It should be understood that although two C-CISC circuit systems and associated inputs and outputs are depicted in the illustrated example, additional C-CISC circuit systems and associated inputs and outputs may be provided in various embodiments.

[0054] Microcontroller 770 may typically be configured and provided in a form similar to microcontroller 205, microcontroller 370, or other microcontrollers according to this disclosure. C-CISC circuit systems 710a and 710b may be configured and provided in the same or substantially similar form to circuit system 220 described herein. In the illustrated example, microcontroller 770 is configured to store executable instructions, including instructions in the form of configuration logic 753 and calibration data in the form of calibration 752. Configuration logic 753 is operable to read calibration 752 and, in response to reading calibration 752, provides one of a first output value and a second output value at output pin 771a. Configuration logic 753 is operable to read calibration 752 and, in response to reading calibration 752, provides one of a first output value and a second output value at output pin 771b.

[0055] The C-CISC circuit system 710a is operatively coupled to the SENT / analog select output pin 771a of the microcontroller 770 and to the SENT / analog input 772a. The C-CISC circuit system 710a can be configured to selectively regulate the input analog signal A 702a into one of an analog input signal and a SENT input signal, and provide it to the SENT / analog input 772a, in response to the output value of the SENT / analog select output pin 771a.

[0056] The C-CISC circuit system 710b is operatively coupled to the SENT / analog select output pin 771b and the SENT / analog input 772b of the microcontroller 770. The C-CISC circuit system 710b can be configured to selectively regulate the input analog signal A 702b into one of the analog input signal and the SENT input signal, and provide it to the SENT / analog input 772b, in response to the output value of the SENT / analog select output pin 771b.

[0057] The ECS 730 and microcontroller 770 provide illustrative examples of systems and circuit systems according to this disclosure, wherein the microcontroller may include a plurality of SENT / analog select outputs configured to control the operation of various groups of C-CISC circuits, each group of C-CISC circuits including one or more C-CISC circuits.

[0058] As illustrated in this detailed description, this disclosure contemplates several embodiments, including the following example embodiments.

[0059] A first example embodiment is a system comprising: a powertrain including a prime mover configured to drive one or more loads; a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating the operating condition of the powertrain; and an electronic control unit including a microcontroller and a controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuit operatively coupled to the microcontroller and the sensor. The microcontroller includes an input pin, an output pin, and a non-transitory controller-readable storage medium configured to store calibration data and instructions to selectively provide one of a first output and a second output at the output pin in response to the calibration data. The C-CISC circuit includes: an input node operatively coupled to the sensor; and a first configuration selection branch including a first switch operatively coupled to the output pin. The C-CISC circuit has two configuration selection branches, including a second switch operably coupled to the output pin; a multiplexer operably coupled to the output pin; a first signal conditioning branch operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to the input pin via a first input of the multiplexer; and a second signal conditioning branch operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to the input pin via a second input of the multiplexer. The C-CISC circuit can be optionally configured to provide an analog signal input received at the input node to the input pin in response to a first output at the sensor selection output pin, and can be configured to provide a single-sided nibble transfer (SENT) signal input received at the input node to the input pin in response to a second output at the sensor selection output pin.

[0060] The second example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the first signal conditioning branch includes a first signal path, the first signal path including a first resistor coupled to an input node, a second resistor coupled to the first resistor, and a third resistor coupled to the second resistor and coupled to a first input of the multiplexer.

[0061] The third example embodiment includes features of the second example embodiment, including a capacitor operably coupled to a first signal path between a second resistor and a third resistor and operably coupled to ground.

[0062] The fourth example embodiment includes the features of the second example embodiment, wherein the second signal conditioning branch includes a second signal path, the second signal path including a first resistor, a second resistor and a fourth resistor, the fourth resistor being operatively coupled to the second resistor and to a second input of the multiplexer.

[0063] The fifth example embodiment includes the features of the fourth example embodiment, including: a first capacitor operably coupled to a second signal path between a second resistor and a fourth resistor, and operably coupled to ground; and a second capacitor operably coupled to the second signal path between a fourth resistor and a multiplexer, and operably coupled to ground.

[0064] The sixth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the C-CISC circuit includes an electrostatic discharge protection component operatively coupled to an input node and operatively coupled to ground.

[0065] The seventh example embodiment includes the features of the second example embodiment, wherein the prime mover includes an engine.

[0066] An 8th example embodiment is an electronic control system comprising: an electronic control unit housing including a plurality of interface pins accessible both externally and internally to the housing; a circuit board disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to one or more of the plurality of interface pins; a microcontroller operatively coupled to the circuit board, the microcontroller including a sensor signal input pin, a sensor select output pin, a non-transitory controller-readable storage medium configured to store a set of calibration data and instructions to selectively provide one of a first output and a second output at the sensor select output pin in response to the calibration data; and a controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuitry operatively coupled to the circuit board and including: an input node; a first configuration selection branch including a first switch operatively coupled to the sensor select output pin; and a second configuration selection branch. The circuit includes a selection branch, comprising a second switch operably coupled to a sensor selection output pin; a multiplexer operably coupled to the sensor selection output pin; a first signal conditioning branch operably coupled to an input node and operably coupled to a sensor signal input pin via a first input of the multiplexer; and a second signal conditioning branch operably coupled to an input node and operably coupled to a sensor signal input pin via a second input of the multiplexer. The C-CISC circuit can be configured to provide an analog signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin in response to a first output at the sensor selection output pin, and can be configured to provide a single-sided nibble transfer (SENT) signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin in response to a second output at the sensor selection output pin.

[0067] The 9th example embodiment includes the features of the 8th example embodiment, wherein the first signal conditioning branch includes a first signal path, the first signal path including a first resistor coupled to an input node, a second resistor coupled to the first resistor, and a third resistor coupled to the second resistor and coupled to a first input of the multiplexer.

[0068] The 10th example embodiment includes the features of the 9th example embodiment, including a capacitor operably coupled to a first signal path between a second resistor and a third resistor and operably coupled to ground.

[0069] The 11th example embodiment includes the features of the 9th example embodiment, wherein the second signal conditioning branch includes a second signal path, the second signal path including a first resistor, a second resistor and a fourth resistor, the fourth resistor being operatively coupled to the second resistor and to a second input of the multiplexer.

[0070] The 12th example embodiment includes features of the 11th example embodiment, including: a first capacitor operably coupled to a second signal path between a second resistor and a fourth resistor, and operably coupled to ground; and a second capacitor operably coupled to the second signal path between a fourth resistor and a multiplexer, and operably coupled to ground.

[0071] The 13th example embodiment includes the features of the 9th example embodiment, wherein the C-CISC circuit includes an electrostatic discharge protection component operatively coupled to an input node and operatively coupled to ground.

[0072] The 14th example embodiment includes the features of the 9th example embodiment, wherein the input node is operatively coupled to a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating the operating status of the powertrain system.

[0073] Example 15 is a process comprising: powering on an electronic control system including a microcontroller and a controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuitry operatively coupled to the microcontroller and a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating the operating condition of a powertrain system; providing one of a first output and a second output at an output pin of the microcontroller; and at least one of the following: (a) in response to the first output, configuring the C-CISC circuitry to turn on a first switch, turn off a second switch, and select a first input of a multiplexer to effectively activate a first signal path between the sensor and an input pin of the microcontroller to condition an analog signal output by the sensor; and (b) in response to the second output, configuring the C-CISC circuitry to turn off the first switch, turn on the second switch, and select a second input of a multiplexer to effectively activate a second signal path between the sensor and an input pin of the microcontroller to condition a single-sided nibble transmission (SENT) signal output by the sensor.

[0074] The 16th example embodiment includes the features of the 15th example embodiment, wherein the first signal path includes a first resistor coupled to an input node, a second resistor coupled to the first resistor, and a third resistor coupled to the second resistor and coupled to a first input of the multiplexer.

[0075] The 17th example embodiment includes the features of the 16th example embodiment, wherein the capacitor is operably coupled to a first signal path between a second resistor and a third resistor, and is operably coupled to ground.

[0076] The 18th example embodiment includes the features of the 16th example embodiment, wherein the second signal path includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a fourth resistor, the fourth resistor being operatively coupled to the second resistor and to a second input of the multiplexer.

[0077] The 19th example embodiment includes the features of the 18th example embodiment, wherein the first capacitor is operably coupled to a second signal path between the second resistor and the fourth resistor, and is operably coupled to ground, and the second capacitor is operably coupled to the second signal path between the fourth resistor and the multiplexer, and is operably coupled to ground.

[0078] The 20th example embodiment includes features of the 15th example embodiment, including reading calibration data with a microcontroller, wherein one of a first output and a second output provided at an output pin of the microcontroller is performed in response to reading the calibration data.

[0079] It should be understood that terms such as “non-transitory memory,” “non-transitory storage medium,” and “non-transitory storage device” refer to various types of devices and storage media that can be configured to store information, such as data or instructions that can be read or executed by a processor or other components of a computer system, and such terms include and cover a single or single device or medium storing such information, multiple devices or media spanning or storing various portions of such information, and multiple devices or media spanning or storing multiple copies of such information.

[0080] It should be understood that when used in conjunction with control methods or processes, electronic control systems or controllers, electronic controls, or the aforementioned components or operations, terms such as “determine,” “determined,” “determining,” and the like inclusively refer to multiple actions, configurations, devices, operations, and techniques, including but not limited to the estimation or calculation of parameters or values, obtaining parameters or values ​​from lookup tables or using lookup operations, receiving parameters or values ​​from data links or network communications, receiving electrical signals indicating parameters or values ​​(e.g., voltage, SENT, current, or pulse width modulation (PWM) signals), receiving the output of sensors indicating parameters or values, receiving other outputs or inputs indicating parameters or values, reading parameters or values ​​from storage locations on computer-readable media, receiving parameters or values ​​as runtime parameters, and / or by receiving parameters or values ​​that can be used to calculate and interpret parameters, and / or by referring to default values ​​interpreted as parameter values.

[0081] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and foregoing description, this is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. It should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and protection is intended for all changes and modifications falling within the spirit of the claimed invention. It should be understood that while the use of terms such as preferred, especially, or more preferred in the foregoing description indicates that a feature so described may be more desirable, it may not be essential, and embodiments lacking such features may be considered within the scope of the invention, defined by the following claims. When reading the claims, it is not intended that the claims be limited to a single item when terms such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least a portion” are used, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used, the item may include a portion and / or the entire item, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A power transmission system, which includes a prime mover configured to drive one or more loads; A sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating the operating status of the powertrain system; as well as An electronic control unit includes a microcontroller and controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuitry operably coupling the microcontroller and a sensor. The microcontroller includes input pins, output pins, and a non-transitory controller-readable storage medium configured to store calibration data and instructions to selectively provide one of a first output and a second output at the output pins in response to the calibration data. The C-CISC circuitry includes: an input node operably coupled to a sensor; a first configuration selection branch including a first switch operably coupled to the output pins; a second configuration selection branch including a second switch operably coupled to the output pins; and a multiplexer operably coupled to... Coupled to the output pin; a first signal conditioning branch operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to the input pin via a first input of the multiplexer; and a second signal conditioning branch operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to the input pin via a second input of the multiplexer, the C-CISC circuit may optionally be configured to provide an analog signal input received at the input node to the input pin in response to a first output at the sensor select output pin, and may be configured to provide a single-sided nibble transfer (SENT) signal input received at the input node to the input pin in response to a second output at the sensor select output pin.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first signal conditioning branch includes a first signal path, the first signal path including a first resistor coupled to an input node, a second resistor coupled to the first resistor, and a third resistor coupled to the second resistor and coupled to a first input of the multiplexer.

3. The system of claim 2, comprising a capacitor operably coupled to a first signal path between a second resistor and a third resistor and operably coupled to ground.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the second signal conditioning branch includes a second signal path, the second signal path including a first resistor, a second resistor and a fourth resistor, the fourth resistor being operatively coupled to the second resistor and to a second input of the multiplexer.

5. The system according to claim 4, comprising: A first capacitor is operably coupled to a second signal path between a second resistor and a fourth resistor, and is operably coupled to ground. And a second capacitor, which is operablely coupled to the second signal path between the fourth resistor and the multiplexer, and operablely coupled to ground.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the C-CISC circuit includes an electrostatic discharge protection component operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to ground.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the prime mover comprises an engine.

8. An electronic control system, comprising: An electronic control unit housing, comprising a plurality of interface pins accessible both on the exterior and inside of the housing; A circuit board, which is arranged in a housing and is operatively coupled to one or more of a plurality of interface pins; A microcontroller operatively coupled to a circuit board, the microcontroller including a sensor signal input pin, a sensor select output pin, and a non-transitory controller-readable storage medium configured to store a set of calibration data and instructions to selectively provide one of a first output and a second output at the sensor select output pin in response to the calibration data; as well as A controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuit, operably coupled to a circuit board, includes: an input node; a first configuration selection branch including a first switch operably coupled to a sensor select output pin; a second configuration selection branch including a second switch operably coupled to the sensor select output pin; a multiplexer operably coupled to the sensor select output pin; a first signal conditioning branch operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to a sensor signal input pin via a first input of the multiplexer; and a second signal conditioning branch operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to the sensor signal input pin via a second input of the multiplexer. The C-CISC circuit can be configured to provide an analog signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin in response to a first output at the sensor select output pin, and can be configured to provide a single-sided nibble transmission (SENT) signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin in response to a second output at the sensor select output pin.

9. The electronic control system of claim 8, wherein the first signal conditioning branch includes a first signal path, the first signal path including a first resistor coupled to an input node, a second resistor coupled to the first resistor, and a third resistor coupled to the second resistor and coupled to a first input of a multiplexer.

10. The electronic control system of claim 9, comprising a capacitor operably coupled to a first signal path between a second resistor and a third resistor and operably coupled to ground.

11. The electronic control system of claim 9, wherein the second signal conditioning branch includes a second signal path, the second signal path including a first resistor, a second resistor and a fourth resistor, the fourth resistor being operatively coupled to the second resistor and to a second input of the multiplexer.

12. The electronic control system according to claim 11, comprising: A first capacitor is operably coupled to a second signal path between a second resistor and a fourth resistor, and is operably coupled to ground. And a second capacitor, which is operablely coupled to the second signal path between the fourth resistor and the multiplexer, and operablely coupled to ground.

13. The electronic control system of claim 9, wherein the C-CISC circuit includes an electrostatic discharge protection component operably coupled to the input node and operably coupled to ground.

14. The electronic control system of claim 9, wherein the input node is operatively coupled to a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating the operating status of the powertrain system.

15. A process comprising: The electronic control system is activated, which includes a microcontroller and a controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuit. The controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuit is operatively coupled to the microcontroller and a sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicating the operating status of the powertrain system. Provide one of a first output and a second output at the output pin of the microcontroller; and At least one of the following: (a) in response to a first output, configuring the C-CISC circuit to turn on a first switch, turn off a second switch, and select a first input of the multiplexer to effectively activate a first signal path between the sensor and the input pin of the microcontroller to regulate the analog signal output by the sensor; and (b) in response to a second output, configuring the C-CISC circuit to turn off the first switch, turn on the second switch, and select a second input of the multiplexer to effectively activate a second signal path between the sensor and the input pin of the microcontroller to regulate the single-sided nibble transmission (SENT) signal output by the sensor.

16. The process of claim 15, wherein the first signal path includes a first resistor coupled to an input node, a second resistor coupled to the first resistor, and a third resistor coupled to the second resistor and coupled to a first input of the multiplexer.

17. The process of claim 16, wherein the capacitor is operably coupled to the first signal path between the second and third resistors and is operably coupled to ground.

18. The process of claim 16, wherein the second signal path includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a fourth resistor, the fourth resistor being operatively coupled to the second resistor and to a second input of the multiplexer.

19. The process of claim 18, wherein the first capacitor is operably coupled to the second signal path between the second resistor and the fourth resistor, and is operably coupled to ground, and the second capacitor is operably coupled to the second signal path between the fourth resistor and the multiplexer, and is operably coupled to ground.

20. The process of claim 15, comprising reading calibration data with a microcontroller, wherein one of a first output and a second output is provided at an output pin of the microcontroller and is performed in response to reading the calibration data.

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